A powerful earthquake struck Ghorashal in Palash upazila of Narsingdi, Bangladesh, causing extensive damage to buildings, shops, and the Ghorashal Power Plant. Cracks appeared in several multi-story structures, and merchandise fell from shelves in local markets, injuring around 20 people. The quake triggered a fire at the substation of the Ghorashal Power Plant, leading to significant losses before firefighters brought the blaze under control. Electricity supply to Ghorashal and surrounding areas was disrupted, and authorities are working to restore power through alternative transmission routes. Local shop owners reported heavy financial losses, with some estimating damages worth several lakh taka. Residents and students in nearby buildings were left frightened as cracks appeared in walls and ceilings, prompting temporary closures of shops and educational institutions.

The National Pay Commission of Bangladesh is expected to submit its final recommendations for a new pay scale by the end of December 2024. According to commission member Dr. Mohammad Ali Khan, around 50 percent of the work has been completed, and opinions from secretaries will be collected next week before finalizing the report. The commission has dismissed a 15-page document circulating on social media as fake, clarifying that no official draft or decision has been released yet. The leaked document falsely claimed details about salary grades, increments, and allowances. Meanwhile, interim government economic adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed stated that the new pay scale will likely be implemented after the national elections in February 2025. However, the Bangladesh Government Employees Unity Council has warned of strict action if the official gazette is not published by December 15. The 23-member commission, led by former finance secretary Zakir Ahmed Khan, was formed in July to review and recommend updates to the government salary structure.

A moderate earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale struck Bangladesh on Friday morning, shaking Dhaka and several surrounding districts. The epicenter was located in Madhabdi, Narsingdi. The tremor, felt at 10:38 a.m., caused panic and structural damage in parts of the capital, with reports of buildings tilting and partial collapses. At least four people, including a child in Rupganj, were killed due to falling structures. Meteorologist Tariful Newaz Kabir from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department stated that the quake was of moderate intensity and not powerful enough to cause widespread destruction. He added that there is currently no indication of potential aftershocks. Typically, earthquakes of this magnitude cause noticeable shaking and minor damage but rarely result in major casualties or large-scale devastation. Authorities are assessing the situation while urging residents to remain cautious.

Bangladesh’s opposition parties, the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, have softened their long-standing demand for an immediate caretaker government before the upcoming national election. Despite previously insisting that no election should occur without a caretaker administration, both parties now support reinstating the system only for future polls. The change follows a Supreme Court verdict restoring the caretaker provision in the constitution but specifying that it will take effect after the next parliament dissolves. BNP and Jamaat lawyers argue that constitutional and procedural constraints make immediate implementation impossible without a sitting parliament. Legal experts, however, view this as a strategic retreat from their earlier position. The attorney general described the verdict as historic, asserting that it reaffirms the caretaker system’s constitutionality and will strengthen democratic practices. The ruling has also reignited debate over the 15th Amendment, which abolished the caretaker system in 2011, and whether the new judgment conflicts with previous rulings.

A powerful earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale struck Bangladesh on Friday morning, shaking the capital Dhaka and several other regions. The tremor, which occurred at 10:39 a.m., had its epicenter in Madhabdi, Narsingdi, about 13 kilometers from Dhaka, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. The quake caused widespread panic as residents rushed out of buildings, reporting falling objects and trembling furniture. The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the magnitude and location of the quake. Tremors were also felt across the border in India, including in Kolkata and nearby areas, Indian media reported. The earthquake lasted only a few seconds but was strong enough to alarm residents in both countries. As of now, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage, though authorities are monitoring the situation closely.

BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is scheduled to attend the Armed Forces Day reception at Senakunja on Friday, November 21. According to BNP’s media cell official Shayrul Kabir Khan, Khaleda Zia has given her consent to attend the event following advice from her medical board. She will leave her Gulshan residence at around 3:30 p.m. for Senakunja. The event will be attended by Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus as the chief guest. This marks Khaleda Zia’s second public appearance at the Senakunja reception in consecutive years, following her first public engagement there last year after a long hiatus since her 2018 Sylhet visit. Several senior BNP leaders, including Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, have also been invited to the ceremony.

Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus paid tribute to the martyred heroes at Shikha Anirban in Dhaka on the occasion of Armed Forces Day. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the day’s events included courtesy meetings between the President, Chief Adviser, and the chiefs of the three armed forces, as well as receptions for decorated freedom fighters and their families. The Chief Adviser is scheduled to host a reception at the Dhaka Cantonment’s Army Multipurpose Complex, where he will present commemorative gifts to 101 decorated freedom fighters and their heirs. The day began with special prayers after Fajr at mosques in all cantonments, naval bases, and air force stations, seeking the nation’s welfare and the eternal peace of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the Liberation War.

In Dhaka’s major wholesale and retail markets, vegetable prices have risen by Tk 10–20 per kilogram over the past week due to reduced supply from farms. Traders at Karwan Bazar and other markets reported that early winter crops like beans, potatoes, gourds, radishes, and cabbages have become costlier, with beans selling between Tk 100–120 per kg and new potatoes reaching Tk 140–160. Conversely, egg, broiler chicken, and onion prices have declined. Red eggs are now Tk 120 per dozen, white eggs Tk 115, and broiler chicken Tk 155–170 per kg. Onion prices dropped by Tk 5–10 to Tk 95–110 per kg, as new local onions entered the market. Meat and fish prices remain stable, with beef at Tk 750–780 and mutton at Tk 1,200–1,250 per kg. Traders attribute the vegetable price hike to supply shortages, while the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) confirms stability in most essential commodities.

A 22-year lease agreement for Dhaka’s Keraniganj-based Pangao Inland Container Port with Swiss company Medlog has sparked controversy over alleged links to banned Awami League leader and former minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury. Sources claim Medlog is affiliated with Chowdhury’s Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). The deal, signed on November 17 between Chittagong Port Authority and Medlog Bangladesh Ltd, was reportedly finalized within days, raising concerns among port officials, workers, and civil society groups. Critics argue that the rushed process and lack of transparency could jeopardize national interests, sovereignty, and local employment. Labor unions fear job losses for the 391 registered port workers if foreign management replaces them with its own staff. Officials from the Chittagong Port Authority maintain that the lease was awarded through a proper tender process and that local workers will not be displaced. However, demands persist for the full disclosure of the contract terms and for assurances regarding national control and worker rights.

Professor Dr. Maimul Ahsan Khan, former chairman of the Law Department at the University of Dhaka and a noted legal scholar, has collected a nomination form from the National Citizen Party (NCP) to contest the upcoming election from Cox’s Bazar-01 (Chakaria-Pekua) constituency. Dr. Khan, who previously served as Dean of Social Sciences at Leading University, was also the direct teacher of BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed, a former student of Dhaka University’s Law Department. The nomination form was collected on Thursday, confirmed NCP central leader Mahmud Hasan Ali. Dr. Khan is known for his expertise in jurisprudence, Islamic law, and international commercial law, and has held teaching and research positions at several universities. His decision to seek political office marks a notable move from academia to active politics in a constituency long associated with his former student Salahuddin Ahmed.

Bangladesh cricket star Mushfiqur Rahim expressed his gratitude to footballer Hamza Choudhury after the Leicester City midfielder congratulated him for scoring a century in his 100th Test match. During a press conference on Thursday, Mushfiqur said he was pleasantly surprised and happy to see Hamza’s video message, which he viewed on his manager’s phone. He added that he would personally thank Hamza if they ever meet in person. In his message, Hamza praised Mushfiqur as a national legend and expressed pride in his achievements, wishing him success in the milestone Test. Mushfiqur recently became the first Bangladeshi cricketer to play 100 Tests and the 11th player globally to score a century in his 100th match, marking another milestone in his illustrious career.

Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim marked his 100th Test appearance with a remarkable century, becoming the first Bangladeshi and the 11th player in the world to achieve a hundred in his 100th Test. Following the second day’s play in Dhaka on Thursday, November 20, Mushfiqur dedicated his milestone innings to his late grandparents, expressing deep emotion about their unwavering support during his career. He recalled how they had wished to live longer just to watch him play and credited their blessings for his success. With this century, Mushfiqur equaled Mominul Haque’s record of 13 Test centuries for Bangladesh, making him one of the country’s most accomplished cricketers. His performance not only added another chapter to Bangladesh’s cricket history but also reflected his gratitude toward family and faith in perseverance.

Rickshaw-puller Sujon, who gained attention during the July uprising for saluting protesters, has collected nomination papers from the National Citizens Party (NCP) to contest the upcoming national election from Dhaka-8 constituency. His candidacy sets up an unusual electoral battle against seasoned BNP politician and former MP Mirza Abbas, who has secured his party’s nomination for the same seat. Sujon stated that his participation symbolizes equal political rights for all citizens, expressing gratitude to the NCP for allowing ordinary people to run for office. According to NCP officials, the party aims to nominate individuals who actively participated in the July movement. The Dhaka-8 constituency, comprising Motijheel, Ramna, Shahbagh, Paltan, and Shahjahanpur police stations, is considered a politically significant area in the capital. Alongside Abbas and Sujon, Jamaat’s Dr. Helal Uddin and young candidate Sharif Osman Hadi are also campaigning vigorously for the seat.

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-2 has arrested Mohammad Hossain, alias 'Roktochosa Jony', a known gangster from Dhaka’s Mohammadpur area, during a late-night raid on November 21. According to RAB officials, Jony and his gang had long been involved in extortion, intimidation, assaults, and armed demonstrations in the locality. Acting on a tip-off, RAB conducted a special operation and detained him with locally made weapons. Authorities confirmed that multiple criminal cases are pending against him. A press briefing is scheduled at RAB-2’s Basila headquarters to provide further details. This is not Jony’s first arrest; in September 2023, he was detained by Mohammadpur police with a pistol, ammunition, and heroin. Law enforcement officials stated that his repeated arrests highlight ongoing efforts to curb organized crime in Dhaka’s neighborhoods.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and former MP Mia Golam Parwar has said that Islamic principles are essential for ensuring justice, peace, and equality in society. Speaking at a women voters’ rally in Khulna’s Atra-Gilatala Union, he urged citizens to elect pious and Islam-oriented candidates in the upcoming national election to build a welfare state guided by Islamic law. Responding to critics, Parwar rejected allegations that Jamaat sells 'tickets to heaven,' saying the party only promotes the Quran’s teachings and moral guidance. He accused the BNP of adopting Awami League’s stance by obstructing Jamaat’s religious programs and claimed such actions hinder Islamic awakening. Parwar emphasized the role of women in establishing an Islamic state and called for grassroots campaigning in favor of the 'balance scale' election symbol. He reiterated that Jamaat’s goal is to establish Quranic law through public support and urged unity among Islamic groups ahead of the election.